By: Joey Daniels (@GBJoeyD)
GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – A pair of goals from senior Hannah Kernen (Belleville, Wis.) lifted the Green Bay women's soccer team to a 3-1 victory on Friday afternoon at Santaga Stadium. The Phoenix improves to 2-1-0 on the young season, while Northern Iowa falls to 1-2-0.
Kernen made an immediate impact in her first game starting this season, scoring the game's first goal at the 24:29 mark of the first half. Kernen received a pass in the box off the body of Brianna Messner (Seymour, Wis.), who deflected it out down to the senior. Kernen powered it past the UNI keeper, despite her getting a glove on the shot.
After taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Phoenix struck again just 8:32 into the second half at 53:32 when Kernen found the back of the net for the second time in the game. It was the pass from freshman Alex Zeller (Dundee, Ill.) that led to the second score of the afternoon, after her pass was placed perfectly into the box and deflected to the feet of Kernen.
“Hannah had an excellent showing today, not only on the score sheet but she continues to do the simple things well and has a knack for making those around her better,” head coach Kacey Burke said.
Just 6:01 following the second goal, junior Heidi Hartmann (Plymouth, Minn.) notched her team-leading third goal of the season. This time Hartmann scored with her head, after Katie Schulz (Plymouth, Minn.) sent a ball into the box from about 10 yards pass the midfield line to put the game out of reach for the visiting Panthers.
The Phoenix dominated in the shots on goal category, outshooting Northern Iowa 11-3 in the game. The Phoenix logged four corners to UNI's three.
“We are happy with the positive result from today. We generated many opportunities in the attacking third and made sure to put them away. We had a few mental lapses we will look to correct and improve as we look towards the next challenge,” Burke said.
Nastacia Behle improved her record to 2-1-0 on the season, notching two saves while surrendering a goal with 1:50 remaining in the game. After a free kick from the Northern Iowa keeper, the Panthers beat Behle to the ball and headed one in for their only score of the evening.
Green Bay will return to action on Sunday, Aug. 31, at home against North Dakota. Kickoff is set for noon at Santaga Stadium.
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